In general, has candy only been a product only rich folk can afford? Salt was this way in early history.?

Question

Today, there are some countries third world or otherwise, that still rarely get to enjoy gum, chocolate, and other candies. You often see this portrayed in war footage when the troops offer herseys bars and such. But as far as lets say early European History, or any other time when candy was still 100% made by hand...was it considered a luxury item? Was sugar always more abundant, easier to get, and affordable by all?

Answer 1

Sugar used to be a sign of wealth, especially refined sugar. That was even as recent in the west as a two or three hundred years ago. In my historic cookbooks, they call sugar "dear" meaning valuable or expensive. There is a folk song that says, "Oh ye work all day for sugar in yer tay, down beyond the railway" (tay meaning tea).
Of course sugar and rum was produced in the West Indies in larger quantities, making it more affordable for everybody...I am not sure that is such a good thing, LOL